The United States has reported 122 new cases of measles in the past week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,168, as announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday. Notably, only four of these cases were recorded in Texas, where health officials indicated that the major outbreak is gradually subsiding. The state will now provide updates on case counts only once a week, marking a significant shift in the management of the outbreak.
In addition to the situation in the U.S., there are three other significant measles outbreaks in North America. The most extensive outbreak is occurring in Ontario, Canada, which has reported 2,009 cases from mid-October to June 3. Tragically, the province recorded its first death on Thursday, involving a baby who had congenital measles along with other preexisting health conditions. Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has resulted in 761 cases as of Thursday, while the Mexican state of Chihuahua has documented 1,940 measles cases and four deaths as reported by the state health ministry.
Several U.S. states continue to experience active measles outbreaks, defined by the CDC as having three or more related cases. These states include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma. In Texas, the total number of cases has reached 742 across 35 counties, primarily in West Texas. Since the outbreak began, 94 individuals have been hospitalized, and health officials estimate that fewer than 10 cases are currently infectious.
The majority of Texas measles cases have originated from Gaines County, where the virus began spreading among a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. Since late January, the county has reported 411 cases, accounting for nearly 2% of its residents. Unfortunately, two unvaccinated children have died due to measles this year, one being an 8-year-old who succumbed to measles pulmonary failure, and the other a 6-year-old.
New Mexico has seen a rise in cases, reporting 81 total cases and two new cases last week. Most of these cases are concentrated in Lea County. In Oklahoma, the total number of confirmed cases stands at 15, with one reported last week. Meanwhile, Colorado has documented 12 cases this year, linked to an outbreak from a Turkish Airlines flight.
Illinois reported an increase from four to eight cases in a southern outbreak, while Kansas confirmed 71 cases across 11 counties. Montana's case count has risen to 17, primarily in Gallatin County. North Dakota has reported 34 cases since its first outbreak in 2011, and Ohio remains steady with 34 cases and one hospitalization.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Symptoms typically include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that appears three to five days after initial symptoms. The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella), which is recommended for children between 12 to 15 months and again between 4 to 6 years of age.
Despite the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, vaccination rates have declined in recent years, with more parents opting for religious or personal waivers. Maintaining a vaccination rate above 95% is crucial for achieving herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated.
In the face of ongoing outbreaks, health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and public awareness. While most children recover from measles, complications can arise, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death. For comprehensive health and safety, vaccination remains the best defense against this preventable disease.
